GRANGER — Financial aid counselors at public and private institutions have noticed more anxiety from families during this recession.

Rising tuition and dwindling state aid has some families wondering if they can afford to send their children to college.

Katie Kokot and her father Dale look at the number of mailings from colleges and universities.

But it's not just the school's academic reputation this family will be watching. They're paying close attention to the cost.

"At this point in time, I think you have to," said Dale Kokot.

Katie has looked at both public and more costly private institutions.

"I've been saving, being more conservative," said Katie Kokot. "I know I'm going to have to put a lot of money toward college."

"We're not sure with the economic crisis which direction we'll head," Dale said.

And this family is not alone. Randi Beem, a sophomore history major at Saint Mary's College, works in the school's business office in between classes.

Tough economic challenges affecting the nation, universities and families has her questioning her eligibility for financial aid.

"I know that when we fill out the FAFSA that Saint Mary's will give us an adequate amount of money," Beem said. "It's just the loans that I'm worried about."

Kathleen Brown, Financial Aid Director at Saint Mary's College, says uncertainty during this recession has colleges and families living in fear.

"I think the biggest issue affecting everyone is anxiety," she said.

Brown said the real attention should be on approaching deadlines.

"The earlier they apply, the better," Sally Walmer said. "They can apply after the March 10 deadline for federal aid but they've lost all state aid."

Financial aid officials from IU South Bend say schools are doing their best to make college affordable for families during these times, especially as Indiana's public universities face dwindling state support this fall.

Colleges are also willing to work with families with special circumstances — like losing a job.

"If families feel they have special circumstances that are not taken into account on the financial aid application," Brown said, "they should really talk to the financial aid office at their school."

Brown adds, the pool of money available in some funds is limited. She encourages families to take advantage of available aid by completing the FAFSA form and searching for scholarships now, as opposed to waiting until the spring.